The CF-5 Freedom Fighter has changed locations and is now at the roundabout at the Kamloops Airport (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

KAMLOOPS AIRPORT

Iconic CF-5 Freedom Fighter lands new home at Kamloops Airport

Jul 2, 2019 | 10:33 AM

KAMLOOPS — As part of the 80-year anniversary, the airport officially unveiled the new location for its iconic CF-5 Freedom Fighter at Fulton Field on Tuesday.

The CF-5 now stands tall at the roundabout entering the Kamloops Airport, moving from its previous location next to the tarmac.

YKA says the new location makes the fighter jet more visible to residents and tourists when they arrive and depart Fulton Field.

“I think it’s a chance to re-dedicate this airframe and recognize the contributions of John “Moose” Fulton and certainly the 419 squadron, who are Freemen of the City of Kamloops. So really an exciting day,” said mayor Ken Christian. “This is a form of public art, but it is the greeting place and gateway for 300,000 people who access Kamloops through the airport.”

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The CF-5 Freedom Fighter at the Kamloops Airport (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

Major Carl Cottrell represented the 419 Squadron during Tuesday’s unveiling. He says the unveiling builds on the relationship the squadron has with Fulton Field, named after the squadron’s former commander John Fulton.

Cottrell says he flew the CF-5 Freedom Fighter in 1991 when he first started.

“It’s absolutely beautiful, just as beautiful as I remember it when I was a junior pilot on the squadron flying it,” said Cottrell at YKA on Tuesday. “It was a great trainer for fighter pilots because it was based on a century series design, which means it was an old fighter and it was very difficult to fly well. It was a good trainer because it really taught you humility and that’s what you need as a fighter pilot to go on.”